The Secretariat coordinates on behalf of regional and international partners’ the Pacific Transnational Crimes Assessment (PTCA) which represents an important collaborative response by Pacific Islands Forum to combat transnational crime. The PTCA is a collaborative report highlighting transnational crime threats to the Pacific Islands Forum Members.  The report seeks to identify current threats, emerging trends and ongoing regional efforts to combat transnational criminal activity in the Pacific Region.  The report is develop for the FRSC meeting and relevant stakeholders meetings, with a view to informed Members.

The other role is to identify and coordinate activities such as training capacity needs assistance to combat transnational crime activities.

Consistent with global trends, transnational criminal activity has increased in the region over the last decade or so. The increasing globalised economy and resultant growth in international trade, greater mobility of people and services, and advances in communications and information technologies have resulted in the Pacific region being more prone to the impacts of transnational criminal activities. These activities include the illegal movement of people, narcotics, wildlife and goods as well as illicit financial transactions linked to money laundering. Of particular concern is the possible use of the region as a base of operations for criminal organisations and entities; increasing involvement of Pacific Island nationals in serious transnational crimes

The Secretariats role is to view and assess the strategic direction and coordination provided by a number of partner regional organisations in several specific areas as an integral part of the regional security architecture.  For example; the coordination of the Pre – FRSC meeting with regional partners and international partners.

Coordination role with law enforcement Secretariats such as Oceania Customs Organisation, Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police and Pacific Immigration Directors Conference play crucial roles in coordinating the activities of Pacific Islands Forum Member law enforcement agencies (customs, police and immigration).  Other organisations such as SPC, FFA, Pacific Islands Law Officers Network and SPREP provide direction and build capacity in key areas such as port security, maritime and fisheries enforcement, legal capacity development and environmental enforcement.  Multi-agency law enforcement networks such as the Pacific Transnational Crimes Network (PTCN) provide real time operational support for national law enforcement agencies throughout the region.

The regional security cooperation role extends beyond to other regional development issues such as trade and economic development; fisheries; climate change and geo-political issues affecting the region when assessing these issues from a security and law enforcement implications.

The provision of security is a core responsibility of government and provides a fundamental basis for the economic, social and political development of our nations.

1. Security policies in the Pacific should accommodate and be consistent with each country’s history and long-standing Pacific values, including specific and differing cultural traditions and customary structures in each nation.
2. A central role of the security sector is to preserve our sovereignty and territorial integrity and uphold the rule of law, including through defending our constitutions, national laws and governance structures and safeguarding the integrity of vital national institutions including the Head of State, executive, legislature and judiciary.
3. Given the inherent vulnerabilities of our nations, security personnel in the Pacific have a responsibility to support democratic traditions, defend human rights and protect, without prejudice, all citizens from harm.
4. The formulation of a national security policy is a useful mechanism to: (a) ensure a collective understanding of security needs, threats and challenges; (b) set national priorities that reflect each countries’ values; and (c) determine clear roles and responsibilities in the security sector and oversight mechanisms.
5. Executive government is responsible for determining security policy.  Central line ministries play a key role in providing advice to Ministers on security policy (wherever possible, following public consultations with civil society organisations and the private sector), and coordinating the implementation of security policy by security institutions.  Accountability to citizens should occur through media scrutiny, public consultation and debate, and regular elections.
6. Effective parliamentary oversight of security institutions can assist in ensuring security services are accountable and effective in their activities, including in the expenditure of public resources.
7. Independent courts and statutory bodies such as Ombudsman and Service Commissions ensure security institutions are accountable to, and compliant with the Constitution and national laws.
8. Public access to information mandated by law including financial, administrative and programme management arrangements promotes transparent policymaking and practice among and within security institutions.
9. Close cooperation and effective dialogue between security institutions and other government organisations is vital to ensure security services remain responsive to the common needs of citizens.
10. Security services should recognise and be responsive to the different security needs of men and women by promoting gender equality and protecting vulnerable sectors of the community.
11. The active participation of the media and civil society in security affairs is important to ensure citizens are well informed of the roles and actions of security services.
12. Regional security is mutually beneficial for all Pacific nations and is enhanced by national security policies that recognise the importance of maintaining: a stable and secure region; and coordination and cooperation between our respective nations.
13. Legislative frameworks for security institutions are essential to ensure their accountability and transparency, and to entrench the rule of law.  Legislation should define the roles and responsibilities of security institutions, outline professional standards for security personnel, and establish oversight mechanisms.
14. Security policies should seek to protect our communities, their  environment and surrounding oceans  by seeking to prevent or mitigate the  risks  from threats such as  climate change,  sea level rise, natural disasters, and non sustainable economic practices.